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Origin:

Historical records trace the origins of Huangmei Opera back to the Tang Dynasty. Its early stage began during the Qianlong period in the Qing Dynasty and extended to the 1911 Revolution. By the end of the 19th century, during the Daoguang years in the Qing Dynasty, Huangmei Opera spread from Huangmei county to places like Anqing, Huaining, Susong, and Wangjiang, where it truly thrived. During this time, Huangmei Opera amalgamated with other folk songs and dances, incorporating local folk arts from Anhui province, such as Yuexi high Melody, Qingyang Melody, and Hui Melody. This fusion marked a significant progression, and it became a characteristic opera.

The evolution of Huangmei Opera can be categorized into four historical stages: monodrama, three playlets, three playing seven singing, and accompanying orchestral music. The first three stages were completed in Huangmei, Hubei Province, laying the foundation for Huangmei Opera to become a prominent form of Chinese opera. The pivotal era of "three playing seven singing" extended from the Qing Emperor Kangxi period to the Emperor Guangxu period. During this time, traditional repertoire, musical style, and performance art flourished, often reflecting people's discontent with classical oppression and their yearning for a freer and happier life.

Development: Huangmei Opera, primarily thriving in Anhui province, has found popularity not only on the Chinese mainland but also in regions like Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, Malaysia, Japan, and even Europe. Originally known as "Huangmei tone," this form of rural folk song and dance gained renown for its melodious music, lively performances, straightforward artistic expression, and true-to-life portrayals. The term "Huangmei Opera" first appeared in 1921. The developmental history of Huangmei Opera can be roughly divided into three stages:


 * 1) Early Development (Qianlong Period to 1911): During this period, Caicha tone, Jiangxi tone, Tongcheng tone, and Fengyang song emerged in the crossroads of Anhui, Hubei, and Jiangxi. Influenced by local traditional opera, they integrated with various folk arts and gradually evolved into playlets. Further growth involved the absorption of performance elements from "Luohanzhuang" and "Qingyang tone," eventually culminating in complete stories.
 * 2) Professionalization (1911 to 1949): Huangmei Opera transitioned from a recreational activity to professional performances in urban centers. It collaborated with troupes specializing in popular art forms like Beijing Opera and Anhui Opera. By 1926, it held a prominent status in Anqing and was influenced by Shanghai's Yue Opera, Yang Opera, Huai Opera, and northern Ping Opera, leading to changes in performance content and style.
 * 3) Modern Era (1949 to Present): Huangmei Opera has gained both national and international acclaim with its captivating melodies, graceful performances, and exquisite costumes. It remains particularly popular in Hubei, Jiangxi, and Anhui provinces. Notable figures in its history include Yan Fengying, Wang Shaofang, and Pan Jingli among the older generation, and emerging talents like Malan and Hanzaifen.

Characteristics

Huangmei Opera offers a diverse range of play programs, including the "big play" and the "small play." The "big play" predominantly expresses the people's discontent with classical oppression and their desire for a freer and happier life. On the other hand, the "small play" often portrays fragments of the daily lives of rural laborers.

Within the category of Huangmei Opera, two distinct types stand out: Pingci and Huangqiang. Huangqiang primarily revolves around playlets and features folk ballads and canzonets imbued with a rich sense of life and folk essence. As the principal singing style in Zhengben Opera, Pingci uses narrative techniques to convey the characters' emotions. The art of performance in Huangmei Opera focuses on distilling the essence of life.

Huangmei Opera's costumes reflect a distinctive local flavor harkening back to China's ancient past. These costumes and sets adapt to the social environment and customs portrayed in the opera's content, resulting in visual variety. The music of Huangmei Opera encompasses graceful and melodious folk songs, categorized into coloratura, character songs, and basic tunes. Given its light and lyrical nature, a skilled performer excels in this style. Huangmei Opera stands out for its accessibility, characterized by lyrical melodies, simple language, and a strong literary tradition.